Marqise Lee won’t make it past Green Bay Packers?
Marqise Lee speaks at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
It was reported earlier this week that the Kansas City Chiefs (picking 23rd) could trade up in order to leapfrog the Green Bay Packers at 21 due to their similar philosophy in drafting the best player available, as the Chiefs could look to aggressively secure that player if need be. Today, ESPN’s Chris Mortensen reports, via Rotoworld, that “everybody in the league” believes USC Trojans wide receiver prospect Marqise Lee won’t last past the Packers at 21.
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What does this have to do with the first report mentioned? Well, it’s possible that the prospect that could cause the Chiefs to move up in front of the Packers (perhaps with the Miami Dolphins, who would be interested in trading down if the top OT prospects are gone) is Lee, who is one of the most talented wide receivers in the draft class. His numbers were down last season due to worse quarterback play, injuries, and issues with drops, but he was still good and seems to be high on the list of a few teams. Although the draft is very deep at WR and the likes of Odell Beckham Jr. have received more buzz, Lee will most likely be a top 25 pick.
The Packers don’t have a big need at wide receiver despite losing James Jones this offseason, and they are much better off building up a strong defense by drafting a safety or linebacker. But the Packers could make the aggressive move to take the best player available, and it’s possible that Lee is that player. He looked like an elite wideout after a Sammy Watkins-esque 2012 campaign, and he has top-notch physical tools, smooth route-running, and versatility that help overcome his major drop issues. I’ve always viewed the Chiefs as an excellent fit for them, as they definitely need a top WR with Dwayne Bowe still their No. 1 receiver and not much outside of him for Alex Smith to throw it to.